ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester United

Posted by Mark Payne on 05/26/2011

The months leading up to the European Cup Final in 1968 were filled with more idealistic sentiments than those we are faced with today. The Beatles launched Apple Records and the musical Hair! (no connection to Bobby Charlton) opened on Broadway. Students were protesting against the Vietnam war and everybody in Manchester knew that Busby was walking towards his defining moment.

Scan through the news today and you will read about our troops overseas in conflicts nobody remonstrates about much, and how crucially important it is that a certain named unnamed footballer is hung out to dry by parliament and the media.

Having spent some time thinking about it, I am unable to come up with an issue less important than who a footballer spends his free time with. On the subject, I also couldn’t care less what any of players do away from their day jobs. Is it really any of our business to judge them? I think not.

My favourite photo this week
©GETTY

The real judgments in this life are made over longer passages of time and whilst it wasn’t the most scintillating match in history, I very much enjoyed Gary Neville’s testimonial. Seeing Beckham wear the modern United shirt does make me pine for what might have been, and there are those who are livid that Rooney played at all, but the whole affair serves as a reminder that United get this kind of thing right.

The next thing that needs to be executed correctly is the ninety plus minutes that face us on Saturday at Wembley. For the past 25 years I have been attending games with my dad and his friends and one of their favourite stories has always been how they camped overnight to get tickets for the ’68 final. With United’s modern representatives making three in four years our generation can now rightly be called the lucky ones.

Ferguson will not want anything left to chance in London. There has been a quiet confidence oozing from the Scotsman over the last fortnight and you can be as sure as horses that he has something up his sleeve. In Moscow it was playing Ronaldo on the left and Hargreaves at right-midfield that flummoxed Chelsea, this season he cold-cocked Arsenal with the Da Silvas. There will be a tactical surprise at the weekend too.

My preference is for a team containing Giggs, Fletcher, Park, Chicharito, Rooney and Valencia. Unfortunately, Park didn’t do brilliantly in Rome and Fletch may not be fit enough. The back five pick themselves. Barcelona have looked very tired over the last couple of weeks, their series of clasicos seeming to have taken their toll. However, in Messi they do have a player whose skills transcend the boundaries of the sport. However well United play, the Argentinean is a man we may have no answer too.

So it is over to Fergie and his white rabbit routine. The next couple of days will be painful waiting for the kick off, but that’s nothing new. Today and always, we all follow United.

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Comments

Posted by devilofagoel on 05/26/2011

Lets hope for a clean game and no play-acting or crowding the referee for a card by either of the teams..

GGMU!!

Posted by David Smith on 05/26/2011

The tactical surprise you write about Mark, might well be the inclusion of Berbatov rather than the Little Pea. I'm not Dimitar's biggest fan, but I think if he was to get the start on Saturday, he'd have a blinder for us. Just a gut feeling. Chicharito has wilted under the pressure of some of United's biggest matches this campaign and none come any bigger than a European Cup Final against Barcelona at Wembley. If we need to bring on another striker in the second half, I'd much rather it be the Mexican than a limp Berbatov. I'm not buying that Barcelona will be tired on the day. They may have looked tired the last couple of matches, but I don't expect any tired legs, from either side. I was surprised Rooney AND Giggs started on Tueaday night, but the thirty minute run-out will do both of them well. I don't like the inclusion of Fletch in your starting 11 either. This match has come a couple of weeks too soon for the Scot; Carrick will have to be the man to run the middle instead.

Posted by Nathan Quao on 05/26/2011

This will be a momentous game but unlike 2 years ago,we're not favourites.That should do us some good but that won't stop Barcelona from trying to pulverise us.We'll have to give 200% on Saturday if we are to get a chance of winning it.I expect Sir Alex to get the selection and tactics right.Rooney should be close to midfield to hound Busquets and try to stop the Barcelona rhythm else we'll be in for a long night.Valencia and Park will have to put in a two-week shift on the flanks to give some pressure upfront.
However,there's a first time for everything and anything can happen.The footballing gods have a way of making everybody eat humble pie so let's just hope that on Saturday,the heavens will be on the red side and give us the European Cup.However,that's wishful thinking.
In any case,win or lose,I won't stop being a Red Devil and I'll support Manchester United for life.

Posted by melford on 05/26/2011

somethin tells me bebatov would spark fire if he gets the opportunity to play in the match

Posted by Somnath Mallick on 05/26/2011

Hi Mark,

This is certainly one of the biggest matches of the season for us. Especially when Barca have been so good in demolishing teams. They are favorites, yes. But i am sure SAF certainly has some plans to thwart them. We have to give our very best and we play out of our skin to get something out of it. I do agree that fair play should prevail. But when you have Barca on the other side, that is something that you cant expect. My choice of mid-field would be Valencia-Carrick-Park-Giggs. With Anderson as sub for Park in the second half (if needed). Berba is certainly a good option for the start as others mentioned as he is definitely good at holding up the ball. Which would be critical as we all know that Barca do dominate 70% of the possession in most games. So Berba can be a good release player. But all in all, its all up to the master and how he sees the game. What say.. Mark? May glory prevail on the red side of Manchester again as we edge closer to Liverpool's 5 UCL's!

Posted by Simon James Mone on 05/26/2011

Man Utd should play a very physical game and given that Barcelona don not have plan B, Man Utd will be sure of a result against them. That is the only way to beat Barca.

Posted by Frank on 05/26/2011

Chicharito has wilted under pressure this year? That's just ridiculous.

Posted by Ben on 05/26/2011

I have had this confident feeling for a while-and the white shirted #10 Mark Hughes scoring 20 years ago with the confidence to ROCKET the ball to an empty net from 20 yards-and not take the safer pass was in mind. United will dominate the game and the idea of Barca having 70% of the ball will look silly on Saturday evening. An early United goal (Park) will calm things down, a second shortly after the break (Chicha)will get the party (and a Barca blitz) started. When Barca get one back (Villa) with little time left they will go for it (a possible red card for Alves or Busquets during that time)at which point a third will end the speculation (Valencia).

Posted by d on 05/26/2011

The exciting part of speculating is that there are literally 4 line ups I could think of. The da silva's running ruckus again from the mid field. The 4-4-2 that has served well this campaign. Should be a great match.

Posted by Urmstonian on 05/26/2011

I reckon SAF has four tricky decisions. The easiest of the four is who to play up front with the Roonster. I think it has to be the Mexican on current form, though this is tough on the league's equal highest scorer. Then, who plays right back. I'm a simple fellow so I'd say Rafael because, quite simply, he's the best right back in the club, though only just. Let us all pray that he doesn't go diving into any silly tackles. We need John O'Shea on the bench as there are so many positions he can fill if he has to come on as a sub. I think there will be two surprises. One is Nani instead of Valencia. He can play left or centre as well as right and he is a bit tricksier. But if we're one up with half an hour to play then he'll be subbed by Valencia. But I reckon the big surprise will be Anderson to start. We have to outrun these guys and pressure pressure pressure them. Giggsy is too old to do that and Fletch lacks match fitness.

Posted by Mark's Dad on 05/26/2011

Yes I did queue up for most of the night to get a ticket for the 1968 final. And it cost me 7 shillings and sixpence in old English money. That's 37.5p or less than half a euro. I will be quite happy with the same score as in 68!

Posted by Jonno on 05/26/2011

If Arsenal can beat this team then so can we. OK it was only the first leg but they're not invincible. Our team is as good as picked but I would go for Carrick ahead of the not-quite-fully-fit Fletcher.

The idea of putting Berba up front for the first hour is sort of tempting - because you could bring on the lightning fast Little p just when Barca (I hope) are beginning to tire. After all it's a very big pitch at Wembley.

But now I've thought about it a little more I will stick with Little p to start, score early as he did against Chelski, and possibly make way for Berba later in the game when Barca are pressing for their equaliser and he can hold the ball upfield for us. Maybe.

Fingers and toes crossed. Two of the Crinkleys will be watching this in the very room where two United goals in less than a minute caused us to keep the neighbours awake for hours as we ran and re-ran the final minutes of That Game, the one in the Nou Camp. That old TV might be a good omen....

Posted by theJepit on 05/27/2011

Ahh surprises, in 99, Giggs played as right winger..
At Moscow, Ronaldo on the left and in Rome nobody turn out to play..
This time around, well, Berbs starting, Fabio at left wing, and everyone else pack the midfield. We'll see how that goes haha..

Anyway I'll trust whatever Sir Alex put out against Barca..

Good luck to Barca because we obviously didn't need it..

Posted by Fadly on 05/27/2011

I think the biggest surprise for the line up will be united will start Rooney, Chicha and berbatov. With rooney and Giggs in midfield. Park and Valencia on both wings

Posted by Naraen khadka on 05/27/2011

obviously, all believe that barca are favourite but there exist some spirit of united on the pitch which is only on the master plan of SAF. Some may call it a revenge if united see catlan off but it will be a perfect night for united as we will win in our own trademark whatever that signifies 99 or Epl comebacks.we can beat barcelona because they are not from out of world or something extrordinary.

Posted by kenloi on 05/27/2011

^^ man utd fans
i really hope this time can win UCL trophy...super desire ...i respect barca although sometimes maybe they too acting or other referee help but dont care it super hope no our player get hurt or card just hope 11 vs 11 then win them...glory for man utd... especially defends must got 200% focus, midfield n forward must goal even just get a one chance ...^^ no matter how wish all the best...2mr sure watch on tv in sharp time...^^

Posted by Zeid Nasser on 05/27/2011

Hello Mark. I like your columns and agree that Fergie needs to 'pull a surprise' of some sort, but my mind is at ease, frankly because the Big One for me was the 19th title, and I view the Champs League as a bonus. A bonus we could get, of course it's tempting and we're filled with pride in the run-up to final knowing our team is in it. But, this is one of those '50-50' and 'it can go either way' matches. All I ask for it that ManU put in the performance the occasion deserves, and neither the fans nor the players are left with any regrets. Let's give Barca a scare, and maybe we can pull it off!

Posted by Tham Tuck Seng on 05/27/2011

@ Naraen khadka

Great mind thinks alike ... a front 2 of Berba and Chicharito with Rooney roaming behind them will scare the shit out of the Barca defence ..and also giving United fans reasons to have multiple seizures during the game as well as it means Barca totally COULD boss the midfield area when United concede possession .. i'm so glad i am not in the position of SAF to make those decision ...

THIS is going to be a great final!!

United since 1979

Posted by Shifdy on 05/27/2011

Will be a good match up. The back four will again reighn supreme for united with very little getting through. Though there will be some concern for the short passing that can get through united defence at times, some thing that Barca can be good at. United will dominate the midfield, especially if scholes is in the team. from a forward point of view it doesn't matter who united play or team up with, they all play well together now after a long season of swaps. I hope the referee takes control and yellow cards any dives or theatrics. Looking forward to the game I will enjoy my sunday morning viewing down here in Oz.

Posted by OCAnd on 05/27/2011

I wish Fergie would play "Crab clamp" formation.
2-5-3-1. Dimmitar & Chicarito on the left-right forwarder. Valencia & Nani on left-right winger. Park/Carrick; Rooney; Anderson/Scholes on the center. Evra/Rafael; Vida/Ferdinand; Fabio/O'Shea on the back. Then Edwin VDS/Anders as goalie.

This is a very tricky formation. Strikers & Wingers role play as decoy, create chaotic scrimage in the backline of opponent, and if possible as tap finisher.

Central Midfielder take the role as clinical finisher. Sprint and come from behind the strikers with killer drive/killer shoot. if it bounce, then hopefully the strikers & wingers are ready for simple tic-tac tap-in.

Left-right Midfielder take the role as first stopper & providing killer pass to the striker or for they feed it back into the middle where the Central Midfield unleash his brutal drive shoot into the back of the net. The role that Rooney is fully fit to be the man.

GO MU, TEAR DOWN the CATALAN DANCER!!

Posted by romeo on 05/27/2011

In kenya a town called kericho in the region of rift valley united fans are extatic about this season and the 19th title. i have this feeling that the true united will show come this saturday. squad van der sar,rafael,rio,vidic,evra,valencia,carrick,giggs,park,rooney,chicha....subs kuszack,fabio,oshea,berba,nani,scholes,anderson..

go kick some barca ass ...viva united

Posted by kris usiada on 05/27/2011

Good day, to you my comment to feggi is that he should not worry about anything that he should belive in him self and and the players he will carry the day a baca go down crying with god this will just be it i love man united till my end days god bless you all have a nice day.

Best Regard,

Kris usiada.

Posted by simon kahura on 05/27/2011

barcelona will be lucky if they don't collect 3 balls from their net

Posted by Jose on 05/27/2011

SAF KNOWS HIS TEAM BETTER; LET'S JUST PRAY FOR LUCK ON THE RED SIDE OF MANCHESTER. Best wishes!!!

Posted by Red Army on 05/27/2011

Hello ther~~ Im pray,SAF~~ PLEASE Do Not n Never Ever put oshea in 1st eleven,bcoz last 2yrs we can see how look he is very nervous n didnt form,Guys Pls Open Ur Eyes,Pls~~~ I hope MUFC defender start in 1st 11 from RB Rafael n LB Fabio,rather put evra in 1st 11,i wish evra in subs only.. Man Utd in premier league in this season,almost half Man Utd GOAL AGAINST is bcoz from Evra error..!! Dont All of u Realize thats ?!?!? Formation 4-5-1 hopefully in 1 defensive midfield, 1 holding midfield n park left n nani right side (we NEED 4 SPEED against barca)and Rooney in center position act like ATT mid n in the same time act as a center forward to support hernandez as a Striker. Now is the right time for Manchester United to show their own MASTER CLASS ability how to against this team,actually their original club name as a-->> UEFA FC BARCELONA.( NOT FC Barca). I prsy n wish SAF will put right decision in MU 1st 11 for this final..!! Gud Luck~ -MUFC THE GREAT-

Posted by Steve Muhanji on 05/27/2011

lets all pray 4 our beloved UNITED n hope for the best no matter the outcome, from the 11 lads picked by SAF tomorrow

Posted by kardajo on 05/27/2011

If we're looking for surprise formations then I'd say a 4-4-2.... Berba and Chicha up front Rooney just behind them as a CAM Carrick behind that as a CDM Park on the Left Nani/Valencia on the right (either will do with the one that's on the bench being brought on for Park if he runs himself out) Evra Vidic Rio and Fabio in the back line and of course Ben Amos in goal...... wait, I mean VDS, my bad.

Rooney drops deep anyway which makes him slightly less effective as a goal scorer lately, but his passing and link up play have been excellent as well as his defensive play. This will probably throw off Barca 'cause they'll expect him to run to the wings, or deep into the box and not sit in the Paul Scholes position right outside of it for either a bullet shot or a killer through ball.... may or may not work, but I'd like to see that.

I'd like to play Valencia over Nani, 'cause Valencia has just made pretty much everyone he faced look second rate lately. Nani can switch wings though.

Posted by jj on 05/27/2011

inesta,messi,david villa,pedro,xavi,alvez.2 goals for messi.manu back four cant stop him.ferdinant is old and slow,rafael cannot read the game,once he made up his mind to attack attack,he there is a 100% chace hes going to school.manu is going to get the same treatment as arsenal

Posted by musa from zaria kaduna nigeria on 05/28/2011

i'm just saying gudluck 2 you UNITED........

Posted by aussiered on 05/28/2011

Its d day again cometh the hour the men in white will rise to the challenge of expectency. Whatever the result all we can expect is what they have all so far delivered and for that we should all remember. When tomorrow arrives act with dignity and praise the club as a whole and say thanks for the euphoria can we please see some more.

Posted by Mike on 05/28/2011

For the sake of the locals and the game in England, hope Barca wins...Explain, ok...The majority of the Barca side are home-talent, developed in Catalonia, unlike United. Much has been said about the need of English football returning to its roots, yet the further deluded club administrators become. The only way for wages and transfer fees, eye-wateringly daft transfer fees to fall is through home talent develpment...Just like Barca has achieved. No Bulgarian or Mexican forwards...No Serbian defenders and Dutch keepers. This is not xenophobia...Leave that for David Cameron and co. This is the sake of the locals, the social roots of the game. For that sake, and for issues of cultural sovereignty, social equality and fiduciary sanity, Barcalona must win.

Posted by Jelili on 05/28/2011

Xup..............House hw u doin tday...we here from nigeria abt to watch the match btw Baca and Man U.......

WHICH EVERY BODY IS READY TO Watch....and the match will be very interseting here and there...and i know that one of the Club will be winer of tady Game or Match...........

Tankx....

Jelili

Up Bacar.......................... 2
Up Man U.......................... 1

Posted by Oluwaseun on 05/28/2011

I am fcb fans for the past 6yrs,how can i register

Posted by Gonzales on 05/28/2011

I can't wait to watch this game. It seems its gonna be fun to watch the best two teams from two footballing nations. I follow La Liga and Premier League everyday but to tell you the winner of this game is very hard as they are all good in their ways. But as i love flair more than physical game, i would love Barca to win even though i know ManU can fight hard and they have plenty of players to turn the heat on Barca. Barca only has limited players who can win the game unlike ManU who have many. I have to say great thanks to two former players who have brought confidence in Barca, i.e Ronaldihno and Eto'o. Now Messi has to win the game by himself without those two greats. Lets wait and see what unfolds...

Posted by Gonzales on 05/28/2011

Posted by Rich Lancaster on 05/28/2011

That's a great perspective on the grass roots issue Mike, I can't say I disagree in principle at all. Most of us lovers of the game are somewhat sickened by the "globalization" of the spectacle and the loss of local talent in England. Football is the opium of the masses, global oligarchs are the new feudal lords who take possession of our local clubs and the whole circus is promoted through the mainstream media that saturates us in obfuscation and pap. This is all true, and Sepp Blatter (FINALLY) is being investigated, etc, etc. However, Barcelona have become a team of whining, diving, crying knaves. Instead of being perhaps the greatest team that ever played (potentially) they run the risk of being labeled cry-babies and cheats. For that reason alone they should lose today, and then there's the fact that I'm English, so even though I'm no Man Utd fan (understatement) - I still want them to prevail and to see the home grown talent of the club (Giggs, Scholes) lift the trophy.

Posted by Trident-Sydney on 05/28/2011

ITS TIME!!! WE have waited two years to give the payback for that poor effort.Tonight it will be different. I hope the ref has the integrity to run the game and not let the divers ruin it as a match.It is time for the RED DEVILS to show how good they are.We have SAF and he will find the way.As good as barca is, the cheating is why they are not the best. A champion team always beats a team of champions.United is a champion team.
Its time the playacting stops.Barca show some guts and play football!
We will never resort to theatrics.Tonight we reclaim the cup!Score United2-1

Posted by francis on 07/03/2011

i love united team i what pey 4 united

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